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A Tale of Two Azaleas

I bought a small azalea called “Elsie Lee” in the Lowe’s clearance section last summer. It was very small and very dry - I might’ve paid $3. I thought it was dead rhis spring because the very well established azaleas that came with the house bloomed and finished flowering but then ”Elsie Lee” suddenly flowered a pretty light pink a couple of weeks ago.


At first, I thought that half the plant might not be getting enough light or enough nutrients because the flowers bloomed a darker shade and the leaves were smaller and one or two had a spot.


Today I took a much closer look and I think they might be two plants.


The plant with the darker leaves looks really healthy now, just completely different.


Can anyone help identify these?

Also, when is the best time to transplant azaleas?

And should I separate them or will the roots be too tangled together?


-M

Comments (4)

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    I prefer to transplant when they are dormant in winter but many people also like to transplant in early Spring and during the Fall. Just try to get as much of the root ball and all those small tiny fibrous roots that form a pancake... as much as you possible can. In warm locations, Spring planting would be followed by Summer so keep an eye for moisture problems as temperatures get warm/hot. Use 2-4" of mulch around the plant; water when the soil feels dry if you insert a finger into the soil and it feels dry or almost dry. In cold regions, watch out for dry winters and for frost heave where freezing and thawing cycles are common. If you get a lot of frost heave then transplant in Spring. You can also temporarily grow it in a pot until you are ready to plant. Just do not forget to water it, fertilize it and amend the soil to keep it acidic. I would very carefully separate them during winter as they will end up competing with each other for water and fertilizer.

    If you had the plant label or the plastic pot, I would try to find out who did Lowes bought it from and then go online to see if they have a list of azaleas that match yours. Sometimes that works but it is harder with small wholesale operations.

    Northeast Gardener, Central NJ, 7a thanked luis_pr
  • 6 years ago

    Thanks so much for all The info Luis! How long could they be in a pot? I would love to grow it in a pot since it would give It a lift . . .

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    Hmm, I do not know how long the record holder has been in a pot. Depends on the how long they receive the soil minerals, location and water that they require. And how long one can continue to do so. You will have to replace the potting mix now and then. And you will need to water and fertilize more often than if planted in the ground. It would help you to know just what their estimated height/width at maturity it will be.

    Northeast Gardener, Central NJ, 7a thanked luis_pr
  • 6 years ago

    The lavender one is 'Elsie Lee' no clue on the pink but it is a different azalea for sure.

    Northeast Gardener, Central NJ, 7a thanked buyorsell888
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